Tim Ursinus

Borussia Dortmund continue to monitor Fisnik Asllani despite having already spent heavily on attacking players and despite his failed medical at RB Leipzig. His release clause has expired, so Dortmund could reportedly pursue a loan with an obligation to buy, although Hoffenheim would now be free to demand a higher fee. A move would become more likely if Fabio Silva leaves for Real Betis or Serhou Guirassy receives a major Saudi Arabian offer. Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken says the club is satisfied with its current squad but remains open to opportunities. Separately, PAOK are reportedly considering former Bayern player Philippe Coutinho as a replacement for Giannis Konstantelias.

Bayern Munich have extended 17-year-old centre-back Cassiano Kiala’s contract on a long-term basis, reportedly through 2031, although the club did not disclose the exact duration. Kiala joined from Hertha BSC in 2024 and made his professional debut under Vincent Kompany at age 16. Sporting director Christoph Freund praised his potential, leadership with Germany’s Under-17 team and pathway toward the first team, while noting that injuries disrupted his previous season. The renewal follows reported interest from several major clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester City, with Kiala represented by Jorge Mendes’ Gestifute agency.

DFB vice-presidents Ralph-Uwe Schaffert and Hermann Winkler sharply rebuked Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeneß for claiming that regional football leaders enabled a “friendly takeover” of the DFB and influenced Jürgen Klopp’s appointment as Germany coach. They said Hoeneß misunderstood the DFB’s governance structure and had made inaccurate claims about Marc Kosicke’s role. Separately, Bayern announced that 17-year-old defender Cassiano Kiala had signed a long-term contract extension, reportedly running until 2031, after interest from several major European clubs. Kiala is viewed as a significant academy prospect and has already made his professional debut.

Leon Goretzka has become a free agent for the first time after leaving Bayern Munich, despite previously describing his club search as a privileged situation and attracting reported interest from several major European teams. Transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio says there is currently no interest in the midfielder, with reported demands of €7 million net per year and a €10 million signing fee viewed as excessive. With the European transfer window closing on 1 September, options in Serie A and England appear limited, while Turkey may offer the strongest route because of its spending on free agents. A move to the United States or Saudi Arabia is unlikely, and a return to Bochum is viewed more as a future possibility. Without compromise or a late opportunity, Goretzka’s first spell without a club could become permanent.

Bayern Munich chief scout Nils Schmadtke is reportedly under suspicion of leaking confidential personnel plans, with a possible departure allegedly linked to Max Eberl’s contract extension. Eberl denied that a split had been confirmed and criticized what he called excessive and potentially defamatory coverage of Schmadtke; Christopher Vivell has been suggested as a replacement. Eberl also backed Harry Kane to win the Ballon d’Or after the striker’s prolific season, while Bayern seeks to extend his contract. Separately, new signing Ismael Saibari is expected to receive an official farewell from PSV Eindhoven after Bayern reportedly agreed a deal worth up to €55 million.

VfB Stuttgart’s under-19 team defeated Bayern Munich 6-1 in the DFB Youth League, with Eniz Redzepi scoring five goals in 50 minutes. Bayern coach Leonhard Haas conceded that Stuttgart deserved the result and said his players needed to learn from the performance. The victory moved Stuttgart top of the group, while Redzepi reached eight goals in three matches and remains eligible to potentially represent Germany despite having appeared for Albania’s under-19 team.

Noah Atubolu has split from agency Epic Sports and adviser Ali Barat after reportedly becoming dissatisfied with their handling of his transfer prospects. The SC Freiburg goalkeeper had expected interest from major clubs including Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Aston Villa, but his realistic options have so far been limited to promoted English sides, which he rejected. With Freiburg having signed Mio Backhaus and the transfer window closing on 1 September, Eintracht Frankfurt has emerged as a possible destination, although Freiburg’s €15 million asking price and Frankfurt’s squad and financial constraints could prevent a deal. Atubolu is also loosely linked with Napoli, Marseille and Bournemouth, while Lukas Hradecky is considered a less expensive alternative.

Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly considering signing former goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky as an alternative to preferred target Noah Atubolu, who wants to leave SC Freiburg. Hradecky's contract with AS Monaco and high salary could make a reunion difficult, while Freiburg are said to want €15–20 million for Atubolu. Frankfurt may first need to sell Kaua Santos, whose errors have weakened confidence in him, although Michael Zetterer reportedly does not want to leave. Atubolu has yet to secure a new club despite reported interest from Bournemouth, Marseille, Napoli and Juventus, and time pressure is increasing as European league seasons begin.

Bayern Munich are reportedly still seeking a buyer or loan arrangement for João Palhinha, despite sporting director Max Eberl previously saying negotiations with Aston Villa had failed. Aston Villa have allegedly reopened talks and remain confident of reaching an agreement, while Newcastle United appear to have withdrawn from the competition. Benfica are also reported to have agreed personal terms with Palhinha and submitted a potential €15 million offer plus bonuses. Bayern are seeking around €25 million for the midfielder, who joined from Fulham for €50 million in 2024, spent last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, and is no longer part of Vincent Kompany’s plans.

Lutsharel Geertruida was repeatedly linked with Bayern Munich before joining RB Leipzig from Feyenoord for €20 million. His versatility and physical qualities did not fit Marco Rose's tactical system, and he failed to regain a regular role under Ole Werner. A loan to Sunderland produced 30 appearances and improved his reputation, but Sunderland declined the €20 million purchase option. After being nominated for the Netherlands' World Cup squad without playing, Geertruida's market value remains uncertain, with another loan to PSV Eindhoven or Ajax Amsterdam increasingly likely.

Lutsharel Geertruida, once linked with Bayern Munich, joined RB Leipzig from Feyenoord for €20 million but struggled to fit Marco Rose’s tactical system and later failed to earn a second chance under Ole Werner. A loan spell at AFC Sunderland produced 30 appearances and some strong performances, but Sunderland declined the €20 million purchase option. Geertruida was subsequently nominated for the Netherlands’ World Cup squad without playing, while Leipzig now faces difficulty recovering its investment and may pursue another loan, with PSV Eindhoven and Ajax Amsterdam reportedly interested.

Newcastle United have reportedly entered the race to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha and offered him a three-year contract. Bayern are seeking €20 million to €25 million and will not accept a loan with a purchase option, having already rejected Aston Villa's approach. Palhinha was left out of Bayern's squad against RB Leipzig, possibly to allow transfer discussions. Bayern also hope to move on Sacha Boey and Bryan Zaragoza, although no immediate solutions are apparent. Uli Hoeness stressed that players will remain at the club if suitable agreements cannot be reached.

Borussia Dortmund are reportedly in pole position to sign Barcelona right-back Héctor Fort after initial talks. The 20-year-old could replace Yan Couto, who joined Como 1907 on loan, leaving Dortmund short of natural right-back options. Fort could cost around €20 million, though Barcelona may accept €10 million with a 50% sell-on clause or consider a loan with an option to buy. Dortmund’s failed pursuit of Said El Mala may have freed funds for the move, although Fort remains unproven after limited first-team appearances and a modest loan spell at Elche.

Mohamed Ali Zoma’s outstanding performances for 1. FC Nürnberg, including a three-goal display against Dynamo Dresden, have attracted interest from French clubs RC Lens and Paris FC. Nürnberg want to keep the 22-year-old striker but are demanding a substantial fee, with supervisory board chairman Peter Meier reportedly valuing him at a minimum of €20 million. The potential sale could generate a major profit after Nürnberg signed Zoma from UC AlbinoLeffe for about €1.5 million, continuing the club’s recent run of lucrative transfers involving players such as Stefanos Tzimas, Can Uzun, Casper Jander and Nathaniel Brown.

Liverpool are reportedly preparing bids for Paris Saint-Germain forwards Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola, with a potential fee of more than €100 million for Barcola. Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester City are also said to be interested in Mbaye, while Barcola’s prospects at PSG could decline following the expected arrivals of Mika Godts and Ferran Torres. Liverpool’s interest is also linked to reports that Cody Gakpo is in advanced talks to join Tottenham Hotspur.

Borussia Dortmund have withdrawn from negotiations to sign 19-year-old FC Köln winger Said El Mala after rejecting a proposed fee exceeding €50 million including bonuses. The decision is defended as financially responsible because El Mala has only one strong professional season and lacks European and international experience, while the saved funds can address Dortmund’s need for a defensive midfielder, a right-back and broader squad depth. Critics argue that Dortmund missed an unusually affordable opportunity to acquire a player with world-class potential and significant resale value, particularly given his guaranteed role at Köln and interest from Premier League clubs.

Borussia Dortmund withdrew from negotiations to sign Cologne winger Said El Mala after the transfer fee, potentially exceeding €50 million including bonuses, became too high. One analysis argues that avoiding the deal protects Dortmund’s finances, limits pressure on the inexperienced 19-year-old and leaves funds to address several squad needs, including a defensive midfielder and right-back. The opposing view says Dortmund may have passed up a rare chance to sign a future world-class player at a relatively low price, with El Mala potentially becoming a major resale asset comparable to Ousmane Dembélé, Erling Haaland or Jude Bellingham.

Bayern Munich is reportedly preparing to extend sporting director Max Eberl's contract to 2029, while a decision on sporting director Christoph Freund's future remains pending. Reports claim unresolved differences between the two executives could create rival camps within the club, despite Freund publicly insisting that their working relationship is very good. Eberl's improved standing with Uli Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, along with his work on major transfer deals, has strengthened his position. Freund is also credited with overseeing increasingly successful youth development, leaving the club's supervisory and executive boards to resolve the leadership question.

FC Bayern Munich is reportedly preparing to extend sporting director Max Eberl’s contract until 2029, while Christoph Freund’s future remains undecided despite broad satisfaction with his work. Reports from kicker and Sport Bild claim unresolved differences between the two executives could divide the club’s leadership and create unrest. Freund has denied that their relationship is strained, and Eberl’s standing has improved after closer engagement with senior figures Uli Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, as well as his role in transfer planning. Freund continues to oversee squad development and the integration of academy players, with the supervisory board expected to review the situation on 25 August.

Tijjani Reijnders could leave Manchester City after only one season, with Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah reportedly offering €60 million and reaching an agreement with City. Reijnders has yet to approve the move and is also attracting interest from Nottingham Forest and Galatasaray. Although he made 50 appearances and contributed 15 goals and assists under Pep Guardiola, new manager Enzo Maresca reportedly has several midfield alternatives. A potential departure by Rodri to Barcelona could prompt City to pursue Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, whose reported asking price is €140 million.

Borussia Dortmund are reportedly preparing a written offer of €50 million plus up to €5 million in bonuses for 19-year-old Germany Under-21 international Said El Mala. 1. FC Cologne sporting director Thomas Kessler is said to have assured El Mala’s representatives that the player can leave if Dortmund meet the €50 million base-fee demand. AC Milan remain a possible alternative, but Dortmund are viewed as the overwhelming favorite. The transfer would surpass Ousmane Dembélé’s €35 million fee as Dortmund’s record signing, with the club expecting significant future resale value. Cologne are reportedly considering Marcel Regula of Zaglebie Lubin as El Mala’s replacement for around €8 million.

Noah Atubolu remains at SC Freiburg after failing to secure his desired move to a top European club, particularly in England, despite submitting a transfer request with one year left on his contract. The article argues that a stagnant and financially imbalanced goalkeeper market—driven by delayed Premier League activity, limited spending elsewhere and a retreating Saudi Arabian market—has narrowed his options. Freiburg has already signed Mio Backhaus as a replacement, while other goalkeepers including Alexander Nübel, Marc-André ter Stegen and Stefan Ortega have also struggled to find ideal destinations. Atubolu’s agency, Epic Sports, and adviser Ali Barat are criticized for misjudging the market, while Atubolu’s refusal of reported approaches from Hull City and Coventry City risks leaving him without regular football and harming his prospects of earning Germany’s vacant number-one role.

Galatasaray has again denied reports that Bayern Munich forward Jamal Musiala could join the Istanbul club on loan, accusing media outlets and unnamed individuals of deliberately spreading false claims to damage its transfer activities. The club urged supporters to rely only on official statements. Musiala remains contracted to Bayern until 2030 and is recovering from a serious leg injury, while competition for attacking midfield places has increased. Bayern sporting board member Max Eberl said the club remains confident that Musiala will regain his best form.

Galatasaray has again denied reports that Bayern Munich forward Jamal Musiala could join the Istanbul club, accusing media outlets and unnamed individuals of deliberately spreading false claims to damage its transfer activities. The club urged fans to rely only on official statements. Musiala remains under contract with Bayern until 2030 and is not seeking a move, although his comeback from a serious leg injury has been uneven and competition for attacking midfield roles has increased. Bayern sporting director Max Eberl nevertheless expressed confidence that Musiala will regain his previous form.

Galatasaray has again denied reports that Bayern Munich forward Jamal Musiala could join the Turkish champions, accusing unnamed media outlets and sources of deliberately spreading false claims to damage the club's transfer activities. The rumours, initially reported by Hürriyet and repeated by other Turkish media, included claims that Musiala had been offered on loan and that negotiations were advanced. Musiala remains contracted to Bayern until 2030, though his return from a serious leg injury has been uneven and competition for attacking midfield places has increased. Bayern sporting director Max Eberl continues to express confidence in his recovery and future.

Galatasaray has again denied reports that Bayern Munich forward Jamal Musiala will join the Turkish club, accusing media outlets and unnamed individuals of deliberately spreading false claims to damage its transfer activities. The reports originated with Hürriyet and alleged that Musiala had been offered to Galatasaray on loan. Musiala remains contracted to Bayern until 2030, although his return from a serious leg injury, inconsistent recent form and increased competition for attacking midfield places have complicated his situation. Bayern sporting director Max Eberl says the club remains confident that Musiala will recover his previous level.

1. FC Köln sporting director Thomas Kessler says Borussia Dortmund has not made an offer strong enough to justify negotiations for 19-year-old winger Said El Mala. Cologne reportedly wants a fixed fee of at least €45 million, while Dortmund's proposal could total up to €44 million with bonuses. With four years remaining on El Mala's contract, no release clause and strong performances in training, Kessler expects him to stay and play a leading role this season. He also warned clubs against contacting the player directly and suggested Cologne's asking price could rise as the season approaches. Liverpool and Newcastle United are also reportedly interested.

Al-Hilal are reportedly preparing an opening bid of at least €70 million for Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz and may offer him a net salary of about €25 million per year. Despite the Saudi club’s substantial transfer budget and interest from Richard Hughes, Bayern are said to have no intention of selling Diaz, who joined from Liverpool in 2025 and delivered 26 goals and 23 assists in his debut season. His contract runs until 2029, and Bayern view his importance, Champions League prospects and replacement cost as reasons to reject the approach.